How to avoid bubbles when applying a screen protector

I’ve applied screen protectors for a decade, ranging from tiny “sticks” for 2-inch devices to massive matte conversion films for laptop screens. Avoiding bubbles can be hard, but it’s all about the technique you use. After seeing another failed attempt online, I decided to put the unused screen protector I had lying around for my iPad mini to good use and record a video tutorial.

It’s important to start off with a perfectly clean screen. In the video, I mange to get a couple of specks of dust onto the screen because I’m doing everything while standing up behind a camera setup, and you can see how those small specs of dust affect the result. Other than that, it’s important that you use a rolling motion like the one shown in the video, and you can see that this leaves the dust-free part of the screen bubble-free as well. Make sure you sit down so that you have full control over what you’re doing, and do it in as dust free an environment as possible. If you have a can of air, most commonly used to dust off computer parts, that is going to help you immensely in keeping dust off the screen.

About the Author

Andreas Ødegård was an associate editor at Pocketables. He's more interested in aftermarket (and user created) software and hardware than chasing the latest gadgets and tends to stick with his choice of device for a long time as a result of that. Currently that includes an iPad mini and a Samsung Galaxy S II.

I still can’t do it, though. We’ve got four animals running around our small house – it’s absolutely impossible to avoid dust, hair, etc. It’s EVERYWHERE.

Bryan

Agreed! That’s why I was so relieved when my evo 3d otter box had one built in. With 2 cats it doesn’t matter what I use to clean the screen a brand new out the airtight packaged microfiber cloth will suddenly have “puma” ( my long haired cat) hair on the cloth before it makes its way from the packaging to the screen. I’m a neat freak but my cats hair has some kinda magical teleporting skills.

SH

For the stiff, static-cling type screen protectors, here’s what I do to get rid of dust bubbles:
1) Clean screen using microfiber cloth. 2) Apply screen protector as mentioned in this post. Work on exact placement and alignment. 3) Use Scotch Magic tape (only the translucent kind) to tack down one side of the screen protector to the device (this is to prevent it from going out of alignment.) 4) Use magic tape to make a tab that will lift the other side of the SP. Use loops of magic tape (sticky side out) to lightly press against the underside of the SP to pick up the dust specks. You will have to be patient and repeat many times. Be careful not to put fingerprints on the underside of the SP. 5) Once you’re finished with one side and are happy with the results, tack down that side of the SP with tape and repeat on the other side. I’m kind of OCD about dust bubbles, so will try to remove every single speck.

a guy I know

The easiest way I’ve found to avoid contention with dust particles is to apply the screen protector in a steamy bathroom. Turn on the hot water in your shower, turn off the fan, get it steamy, and dust particles will be weighed down by the wet air that attaches to them. Apply your screen protector however you would normally and enjoy.